Jammu: A senior Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officer on Saturday died of COVID-19 at a hospital here, officials said, as Jammu district surpassed Srinagar to head the virus fatality chart among the 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Special Secretary to Government, Finance Department, Shamim Ahmad Wani was recently admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) hospital Jammu after he tested positive for COVID-19, the officials said.
They said 54-year-old Wani breathed his last in the morning and is being laid to rest in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials of his administration have expressed grief over the demise of Wani.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family members of the officer, the Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam remembered Wani as a dedicated, soft spoken and well-meaning officer who served with commitment in his capacity as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Special Secretary, Finance and Commissioner, State Taxes, among others.
Advisors to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar and Baseer Khan also condoled the sudden demise of Shamim Ahmad Wani and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Meanwhile, KAS fraternity and colleagues of late Shamim Ahmad Wani recalled his services, employee friendly attitude and helpful nature in dealing with the issues. They described him as a capable officer who always took keen interest in solving the issues and problems of his subordinates.
“He was an outstanding officer and an equally good human being. We have lost a valued colleague. The services rendered by him would be remembered for long times to come”, said a KAS officer. In his loss, they said, J&K has lost a brilliant officer with utmost commitment, dignity and grace to duty.
They prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the kin of deceased to bear with this loss.
